The Camino Shell

It has weathered all 6 weeks on Neve's backpack...

Welcome Home, Pilgrim!

Congratulations! Muy Buen Camino!!

Welcome back to the States...

We're waiting....

Amazing.. Simply amazing..

Neve definitely keeps amazing me!

So Neve is at Paris CDG airport waiting for her return flight and she is having a wonderful conversation with a very nice older Israeli woman. Neve describes her as a hoot with an amazing history and states that she reminds her of my mother. She provided her name and stated she is up for a Nobel Peace Prize for Math and Physics.....

So I looked her up and lo and behold...

Simply amazing... It's just amazing how simple conversations lead into awesome moments!

Speaking of empowered women... Wow!!!

Homecoming for our Peregrina..

The Camino wall map is pretty much complete and well illustrated by our little Monet's, Da Vinci's, Van Gogh's and Picasso's... They loved updating the wall and did a fantastic job visualizing their Momma's trek! Awesome job kiddos!!!!

Now the big anticipation is to hear the stories first hand when Momma arrives tomorrow!

Less than 24 hours and our valiant Pilgrim will make it stateside!!!

Tick tock...

Seeing Pet Angels

I could only imagine the beautiful ocean scenery that Neve and company witness as they approach the far west coast of Spain... the beaches of Finisterra.

I'm sure the sunrise was as beautiful this morning as they approached the final destination to scatter ashes of our beloved critters. The girls helped illustrate the scenery on our Camino Wall for Neve....

A and B took pride in drawing Spinnaker on top, then Q and Alma, big ole Buoy with his Rock Star eyeliner, and finally sweet blind Harbor at the bottom. I'm sure they are just panting and grinning ear to ear watching Mom gaze in awe out at the crashing waves and and take in the beautiful colors of the horizon. Can you hear them barking in the wind?

We miss you all!!!! Thanks Mom for taking us along on your journey!


update:

I was informed that the final resting spot was in Muxia. Neve stated it was raining and as she scattered our beloved animals across the waves, the clouds broke and out shined a rainbow..... Wow!

Have to love Panera Bread...

I just sliced half of the Panera's focaccia bread and made homemade pepperoni pizzas...
Yummmm yummmm

Another Tooth Fairy Sighting?

My eldest girl, B, came up to me last night and showed me one of her front baby teeth that fell out. It's our tradition that the tooth fairy pillow is the beacon for the Tooth Fairy to come. We have used it for all our children and they are so very familiar in what to expect....

Once the pillow is out, the child in 'tooth mourning' leaves precious hand written notes to the Tooth Fairy with wishes for specific candy that all the siblings can share. One standard sweet that is always on the list is Haribo Golden Gummi Bears. This has been Neve's favorite so I'm sure a little bias was planted early on... :-)

They usually get a few treats in lieu of money, mostly because of the fun morning reactions and toothless smiles that brighten the room amongst the innocent interactions and sibling conversations. Sometimes the Tooth Fairy brings a special something that one of the children has so previously longed for. But I suspect tonight it will be simple pleasures for all to enjoy...

Super Mom Made it to Santiago!

Woo Hoo!!!!

Our adventurous SUPER MOM and WIFE has made the long trek to the city of Santiago de Compostela.  She Skyped the kiddos this morning that she attended the famous mass at the church in front of 1000's and she and her fellow pilgrims were in the front row!

So now the last chapter of her journey r is to Fisterra, the furthest edge of Spain to empty out some of our 4 legged ashes that she toted across the world.  Spinnaker, Q, Alma, Buoy and Harbour will be making their final destination on the edge of western European world.  I know they had a great time making this journey with their Super Mom!  I'm sure the sight along the beach/rocks will be a beautiful one.  I can only imagine......

We love you and miss you dearly!

A Beautiful Day...

An email from my endearing peregrina stated she was in a castle Albergue and she had found a little boyfriend by her bed....

...A fat toad...

He may be your Spanish Prince Charming, so pucker up sweety!

It's been a beautiful day here in NC and especially a nice surprise when my little 'Princess A' wanted to ride her bike without training wheels!! She hopped on and was going on the very first try! Now she is riding up and down the sidewalk like a broken record on repeat. She was all smiles!!!

And to top it off, I found a little buddy on my side porch....

What a day!

A Little Show & Tell...

While Neve made it to her next city and closer to the Holy Grail, my 11 year old was asked to display his Origami skills to his little brother's class.

We arrived and had a small sample box of his pre-made paper creations: dinosaurs, birds, walrus, bears, stars, lobster, kangaroo, etc.. for students to view and study.

He started off showing them a simple dog and cat face to make and then move on to a flapping swan and jumping frog.

I was so proud of him showing students how to do this and hopefully inspire them to learn this fun art. I'd like to thank L's teacher for inviting K to demonstrate his finessed skill!!! Thanks so much! He enjoyed it as much as your students!

More Cute Moments

I had the pleasure of seeing the little ones' classrooms and listening to each showing our family around each station. A's teacher is L's last year's Kindegarten teacher and is still awesome!
Little A had an adorable self art portrait with yarn and color paper. I'd have to say it looks just like her...